Canadian cruisers!!

[Ourusualbeach]

A very kind gentleman who replied to another thread I started noticed I was from Canada and forwarded me to this thread! I have a few questions please :)

 

1) if we purchase the Ultimate drink package while onboard , which is what we are thinking of doing, is it better to buy onboard credits first and have that put towards that cost? Will that save us the exchange rate the bank would charge us on our Visa if we didn't purchase the OBC's?

 

2) besides the drink package, the only thing we usually get is a few photos etc and maybe a few shirts in the shops. We already have an onboard credit of $150.00 given to us complimentary by RCC because of some hassles with reservations etc. plus we will be getting a few more OBC for booking 4 paid for restaurants as well. So I don't think we would need much more OBC than that? Your thoughts?

 

3)And just to clarify, when you pre purchase OBC that is when you get the better deal on the dollar exchange rate? And you have to do that prior to getting onboard or can you do that while onboard?

 

Sorry if this sounds "dumb" I just am kind of new to all this and have found the information I have read from all the CC members so invaluable!!!!

 

Lisa :)

 

The OBC to get the better exchange rate can only be purchased ahead of time by calling either C&A 800-526-9723 if you are a member or Gifts and Gear 800-722-5443. You will be charged in CDN$ but receive an OBC in US$. Currently they are charging $110 CDN to buy $100US. No conversion fees show up anywhere on your credit it card.

 

Anything that you purchase directly ahead of time through your cruise planner I.e. Drink packages, restaurants etc they have been charging a higher rate of exchange on (close to 30%) so most of us have been buying OBC and hen will wait until we are on board to purchase drink packages, restaurants etc...

 

Any unused OBC you can get refunded to you on the last evening in cash.

 

Hope this helps.

[son3cruisers]

The OBC to get the better exchange rate can only be purchased ahead of time by calling either C&A 800-526-9723 if you are a member or Gifts and Gear 800-722-5443. You will be charged in CDN$ but receive an OBC in US$. Currently they are charging $110 CDN to buy $100US. No conversion fees show up anywhere on your credit it card.

 

Anything that you purchase directly ahead of time through your cruise planner I.e. Drink packages, restaurants etc they have been charging a higher rate of exchange on (close to 30%) so most of us have been buying OBC and hen will wait until we are on board to purchase drink packages, restaurants etc...

 

Any unused OBC you can get refunded to you on the last evening in cash.

 

Hope this helps.

And just to add to the wonderful info above from Ken,

If you do wait to purchase gratuities ( don't forget gratuities as they will charge that automatically to your account daily.... That will be $192 U.S. for 2 people) and drink packages until you get onboard, you will be charged in US funds. They will use your $150 onboard credit first, on your account. Then, if you signed up to use a credit card to pay for your onboard purchases, your credit card company will charge the going exchange rate ( which is quite high right now) and I have heard Royal adds an additional 3% exchange rate onboard as well. So, HUGE savings to prepay gratuities, and add additional stateroom credit before you sail. Even if it is a couple hundred dollars....

Enjoy your cruise!

 

Edited to add.... The $192 gratuities is for my 8 day sailing... A seven day would be $180 US. The pre paid gratuities seem to be at par if purchased ahead of time ( even a few dollars cheaper!)

Edited February 7, 2015 by son3cruisers

[leyla]

There is a recent post about the Aussies buying OBC. Have a read and see what you think of it. Will post it here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2163633

[sunseeker551]

Thanks for the heads-up. I just called and was able to get $500 US for $550 CAD. It seems too good to be true :eek: I sure hope it works out OK. I already have a $300 credit ($100 for an old onboard booking & $200 for the cancelled Allure sailing last year) so I put it on my BF's account. This will be a much cheaper way to pay for his beverage package, cover any drinks I might have and any miscellaneous onboard spending. Only 29 more days to go. :)

[goodml]

There is a recent post about the Aussies buying OBC. Have a read and see what you think of it. Will post it here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2163633

 

Aussies are even luckier than we are haha. My daughter lives in Australia. Our dollar is within a penny or two of par with them.

[FunCruiser59]

Thank you for the info! :)

[ladysail2]

I've been buying OBC for that great rate for a few weeks now. I was able to get a $1000 OBC for a sailing, but when I tried to get the same amount for another sailing I was told that I couldn't go above $499 without alot of faxing and signing and la-ti-da, so I bought two $495 OBCs for the same cruise. I guess it depends of which Royal Rep answers the phone.

 

Don't forget to ask for an Amenity Receipt for your OBC purchase.

 

Yes, any unused OBC is reimbursed in cash, whenever you want it, you don't have to wait until the end of the cruise. I often set up cash accounts and I can close it anytime I want, and open it again anytime I want.

 

Hope that helps !! :D

[Toddcan]

Yes, any unused OBC is reimbursed in cash, whenever you want it, you don't have to wait until the end of the cruise. I often set up cash accounts and I can close it anytime I want, and open it again anytime I want.

 

Hope that helps !! :D

 

Thanks ladysail! Have you cashed out at any time before? I would love to find someone who has actually done this. If so, I would simply bring much less cash on hand with me for the ports, and put more on my OBC now, and take a portion of the OBC in cash to go into port.

 

I just want to make sure I know it's possible :)

[ladysail2]

Thanks ladysail! Have you cashed out at any time before? I would love to find someone who has actually done this. If so, I would simply bring much less cash on hand with me for the ports, and put more on my OBC now, and take a portion of the OBC in cash to go into port.

 

I just want to make sure I know it's possible :)

 

You can take your own cash any time you want. Sometimes I close my account a few days before the end of the sailing because I know that there is nothing that I want to purchase. Of course I get the old 'you realize you can't charge anything to your seapass' speech. I know that. Sometimes if I want to purchase something that costs more than I have on account, I simply go to GS and add more cash to my account. It's almost like going to the bank....LOL

They don't know where you're spending the cash. You could be wanting to go to the Casino and spending it there. Your own cash is refundable. Sometimes OBCs given by the cruise line are non-refundable. That's where you have to draw it out of the Casino for a small charge.

 

Hope that helps.

Joyce :D

[ckrobyn]

You can take your own cash any time you want. Sometimes I close my account a few days before the end of the sailing because I know that there is nothing that I want to purchase. Of course I get the old 'you realize you can't charge anything to your seapass' speech. I know that. Sometimes if I want to purchase something that costs more than I have on account, I simply go to GS and add more cash to my account. It's almost like going to the bank....LOL

They don't know where you're spending the cash. You could be wanting to go to the Casino and spending it there. Your own cash is refundable. Sometimes OBCs given by the cruise line are non-refundable. That's where you have to draw it out of the Casino for a small charge.

 

Hope that helps.

Joyce :D

 

Yes, this helps - thank you!

I may have to call and buy some more :p

[Ourusualbeach]

I've been buying OBC for that great rate for a few weeks now. I was able to get a $1000 OBC for a sailing, but when I tried to get the same amount for another sailing I was told that I couldn't go above $499 without alot of faxing and signing and la-ti-da, so I bought two $495 OBCs for the same cruise. I guess it depends of which Royal Rep answers the phone.

 

Don't forget to ask for an Amenity Receipt for your OBC purchase.

 

Yes, any unused OBC is reimbursed in cash, whenever you want it, you don't have to wait until the end of the cruise. I often set up cash accounts and I can close it anytime I want, and open it again anytime I want.

 

Hope that helps !! :D

 

 

Can you confirm that you have actually gone to guest services and withdrew cash during the cruise.

 

Last night you posted on another thread prior to posting on this thread asking about getting cash back and going to the casino to withdraw it.

 

There is a charge of 5% at the casino and there is no charge at guest services so this distinction is important.

 

 

Here is a copy of your post from the other thread,

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMaxwell

OBC can be used for tips ONLY if you don't have MyTime Dining. Royal doesn't feel it necessary to treat guests equitably in that case.

 

You can get refundable OBC back as cash at the purser desk at full value.

You can get non-refundable OBC back as cash in the casino for a 5% charge.

 

Can you explain how you do this please? Do I take my seapass into the Casino. Go to the person who hands out the cash and ask for a certain amount of dollars? How much can one get at one time? Do I have to give a reason for wanting the cash?

This would be really helpful for me to know. I've never done it, nor do I know anyone who says they've done it.

 

Thank you so much for any help in this!!

 

Joyce

Edited February 8, 2015 by Ourusualbeach

[son3cruisers]

The agent I spoke with when I added money to my stateroom account said that money left over on my onboard account is returned to the original method of purchase, which is a credit card. I , myself , am not sure if that is true...

I understand every agent has different info to offer ....

I told her that I set up my account as " cash" onboard and she again repeated that it was the original method of purchase..I spoke with another agent when I added my gratuities that said it was a 5% fee to withdrawl at the casino, and she " thought" that our money might be refunded in cash the last day...

Ugh...

It would be great to hear from a Canadian ( because of exchange rates) that has in fact withdrew money from their accounts...especially DURING the cruise.

[ckrobyn]

The agent I spoke with when I added money to my stateroom account said that money left over on my onboard account is returned to the original method of purchase, which is a credit card. I , myself , am not sure if that is true...

I understand every agent has different info to offer ....

I told her that I set up my account as " cash" onboard and she again repeated that it was the original method of purchase..I spoke with another agent when I added my gratuities that said it was a 5% fee to withdrawl at the casino, and she " thought" that our money might be refunded in cash the last day...

Ugh...

It would be great to hear from a Canadian ( because of exchange rates) that has in fact withdrew money from their accounts...especially DURING the cruise.

 

If you have a cash account - cash YOU put down, why on earth would the casino charge 5% to take out your own money?

The 5% charge is if you take money out on your sea pass which is connected to your credit card. This is my understanding....

[nbsjcruiser]

The agent I spoke with when I added money to my stateroom account said that money left over on my onboard account is returned to the original method of purchase, which is a credit card. I , myself , am not sure if that is true...

I understand every agent has different info to offer ....

I told her that I set up my account as " cash" onboard and she again repeated that it was the original method of purchase..I spoke with another agent when I added my gratuities that said it was a 5% fee to withdrawl at the casino, and she " thought" that our money might be refunded in cash the last day...

Ugh...

It would be great to hear from a Canadian ( because of exchange rates) that has in fact withdrew money from their accounts...especially DURING the cruise.

 

I have gone to the casino and got money off my account. There was no fee because I had a cash account. If you put a cc on your account than there will be a 5% fee. We always put OBC on our account before we go and at the end of our cruise we always received cash back on the last night. I am not sure about getting money from the account at guest services during the week.

[Ourusualbeach]

I have gone to the casino and got money off my account. There was no fee because I had a cash account. If you put a cc on your account than there will be a 5% fee. We always put OBC on our account before we go and at the end of our cruise we always received cash back on the last night. I am not sure about getting money from the account at guest services during the week.

 

Thank you. Makes perfect sense.

[macdon9876]

I scanned through this thread, but I didn't see this question:

 

We are sailing in July. We booked and received the $200 promo OBC, plus an additional $50 from our TA.

 

If we purchase additional OBC with a credit card, which "pot" will be used first? In other words, do they use up the promo OBC (which is non-refundable) first for those early purchases?

 

Thanks!

[Ourusualbeach]

The agent I spoke with when I added money to my stateroom account said that money left over on my onboard account is returned to the original method of purchase, which is a credit card. I , myself , am not sure if that is true...

I understand every agent has different info to offer ....

I told her that I set up my account as " cash" onboard and she again repeated that it was the original method of purchase..I spoke with another agent when I added my gratuities that said it was a 5% fee to withdrawl at the casino, and she " thought" that our money might be refunded in cash the last day...

Ugh...

It would be great to hear from a Canadian ( because of exchange rates) that has in fact withdrew money from their accounts...especially DURING the cruise.

 

I can't see them refunding that to the original card used to purchase as I'm not sure the ship would have a record of that credit card. Also this OBC could have been a gift from a TA or a relative. I would think that they may be referring to the credit card that you used to secure your Seapass account.

 

I'm not going to take any chances with the CC and will just set up my Seapass as a cash account and take any money out the last day at guest services. We don't need a lot extra for shore excursions as those we booked through private vendors in advance.

[Ourusualbeach]

I scanned through this thread, but I didn't see this question:

 

We are sailing in July. We booked and received the $200 promo OBC, plus an additional $50 from our TA.

 

If we purchase additional OBC with a credit card, which "pot" will be used first? In other words, do they use up the promo OBC (which is non-refundable) first for those early purchases?

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, non refundable is used up first.

[son3cruisers]

 

I'm not going to take any chances with the CC and will just set up my Seapass as a cash account and take any money out the last day at guest services. We don't need a lot extra for shore excursions as those we booked through private vendors in advance.

 

Agreed... This is what we are doing as well.

[Clipper123]

Can you confirm that you have actually gone to guest services and withdrew cash during the cruise.

 

Last night you posted on another thread prior to posting on this thread asking about getting cash back and going to the casino to withdraw it.

 

There is a charge of 5% at the casino and there is no charge at guest services so this distinction is important.

 

 

Here is a copy of your post from the other thread,

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LMaxwell

OBC can be used for tips ONLY if you don't have MyTime Dining. Royal doesn't feel it necessary to treat guests equitably in that case.

 

You can get refundable OBC back as cash at the purser desk at full value.

You can get non-refundable OBC back as cash in the casino for a 5% charge.

 

Can you explain how you do this please? Do I take my seapass into the Casino. Go to the person who hands out the cash and ask for a certain amount of dollars? How much can one get at one time? Do I have to give a reason for wanting the cash?

This would be really helpful for me to know. I've never done it, nor do I know anyone who says they've done it.

 

Thank you so much for any help in this!!

 

Joyce

 

I think maybe she is inquiring about the getting the non-refundable OBC from the casino.

[willing292]

I booked my cruise in Canadian dollars. Can I prepay my tips in Canadian dollars, or will RCI add on the US exchange?

[Ourusualbeach]

I booked my cruise in Canadian dollars. Can I prepay my tips in Canadian dollars, or will RCI add on the US exchange?

 

You should call and ask how much it would cost to prepay your gratuities. Since you booked in CDN the price that you are quoted will be in CDN$ and many of us, myself included have been given a great rate. If you wait until on board you will be charged $12pp per day in US$ for gratuities.

[macdon9876]

Good to know, thank you!

[bcmaple]

My TA just found me an $836 usd credit for my upcoming cruise because I am Canadian. Maybe RC is trying not to loose us so they are offering Canada residency discount. better check to see if you can save even more. She was checking for better rates before I needed to pay my final payment. Gotta love those TA's. :D

[Natmom]

My TA just found me an $836 usd credit for my upcoming cruise because I am Canadian. Maybe RC is trying not to loose us so they are offering Canada residency discount. better check to see if you can save even more. She was checking for better rates before I needed to pay my final payment. Gotta love those TA's. :D

 

 

What ship and which month?